Deaths in US immigration detention must be investigated: UN Human Rights Chief

“Those responsible for violations of the law must be held accountable, and the rights of victims’ families to truth, justice and reparation as well as guarantees against the recurrence of violations must be upheld,” Türk said in a statement. statement.

Türk’s call comes as 18 people died while in ICE custody in the first five months of this year, up from eight in the same period last year, according to ICE data. The US agency reported additional deaths on June 4, bringing the year’s total to 19 deaths. In 2025, 33 people died in ICE custody, compared to 11 in 2024.

There have been “allegations regarding the use of force” in US immigration detention facilities, and five of the officially reported deaths in 2026 were classified as suicides, Türk wrote.

Lack of transparency

ICE currently detains more than 60,000 people, and plans to increase its detention capacity to 90,000 people by the end of this year, he said.

At the same time, Türk called attention to the lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances of deaths in ICE custody and the whereabouts of detainees during transfers.

He also noted that prolonged uncertainty around legal status contributed to psychological distress.

‘Inhumane conditions’ in ICE detention

Detainees often report facing “inhumane conditions” in ICE custody, including inadequate health and food services and exposure to disease.

Mr Türk expressed concern over reports of the use of solitary confinement. He said that the use of solitary confinement for long periods or indefinitely could amount to “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”, in violation of international human rights law.

“All of these factors exacerbate vulnerabilities and raise serious concerns about whether some deaths in ICE custody could be prevented,” the UN human rights chief said.

Children should not be in immigration detention

Mr Türk urged the US Government to prioritize alternatives to immigration detention, especially for pregnant women and those with significant medical or mental health conditions. He emphasized that children should not be subjected to immigration detention, regardless of the immigration status of the child or their parents.

“US immigration authorities must ensure that their detention facilities comply with international human rights norms and standards,” he said, including protecting the human rights of detainees by ensuring humane conditions, timely health services, family notification, an end to overcrowding and access to legal representation, consular assistance and translation services.

Mr. Türk emphasized the important role of the United States Congress in overseeing conditions of detention and related public funding to ensure compliance with international human rights law.

The dehumanization of migrants was condemned

The UN Human Rights Chief condemned the continued dehumanization and criminalization of migrants and refugees.

He also expressed his support for those who advocate for human rights, including lawyers, journalists, faith-based organizations and civil society groups.

“No one should be sent back to a place where they could face serious human rights violations or irreparable harm,” Türk said.